Hytale Modding Guide: CurseForge, Blockbench and Creator Tools

Hytale launched with full modding support on day one, thanks to an official partnership with CurseForge. This guide covers everything you need to know about creating and installing mods, using Blockbench for custom models, and leveraging Hytale's powerful creator tools.

CurseForge Partnership

Hytale chose CurseForge as its preferred modding partner to ensure a familiar and robust experience for players. This partnership provides:

• Day 1 Mod Support: Mods were available immediately at launch on January 13, 2026
• Easy Installation: Use the CurseForge app for one-click mod installation
• Mod Management: Automatic updates, dependency handling, and profile management
• Creator Program: Mod authors can earn revenue through CurseForge's creator program

Installing Mods via CurseForge

1. Download and install the CurseForge App from curseforge.com
2. Open CurseForge and select Hytale from the game list
3. Browse or search for mods in the Browse Mods section
4. Click Install on any mod you want to add
5. Launch Hytale through CurseForge to play with mods enabled

Popular Mod Categories

Category	Description	Examples
Performance	FPS improvements and optimization	FPS Boost, Memory Optimizer
Quality of Life	UI improvements and conveniences	Inventory Tweaks, Map Markers
Content Packs	New blocks, items, and creatures	Expanded Biomes, New Mobs
Utilities	Server tools and management	Admin Tools, Chat Enhancements
Bug Fixes	Community fixes for known issues	Crash Fixes, Stability Patches

Mod Types in Hytale

Hytale supports three main types of modifications:

1. Packs (Content Packs)

Packs are asset and content packages that add new content to the game without requiring programming:

• New blocks and textures
• Custom items and tools
• New creatures and NPCs
• Modified behaviors and interactions
• Sound and music additions

2. Plugins (Java-Based)

Plugins are mods written in Java that use Hytale's API for deeper modifications:

• Custom game mechanics
• Server-side functionality
• Advanced scripting and logic
• API integrations

3. Bootstrap/Early Plugins

These plugins operate outside the standard plugin environment for specialized functionality like:

• Core system modifications
• Early loading requirements
• Engine-level changes

Blockbench: The Primary Modeling Tool

Hytale uses Blockbench as the official tool for creating custom models, textures, and animations. This replaces their internal tools to better support established community workflows.

Why Blockbench?

• Beginner-Friendly: Intuitive interface suitable for newcomers
• Industry Standard: Already popular in the Minecraft modding community
• Official Plugin: Hytale provides an official plugin for game-specific features
• Free and Open Source: No cost barrier to entry

Getting Started with Blockbench

1. Download Blockbench from blockbench.net
2. Install the Hytale Plugin from Blockbench's plugin menu
3. Create a new project using the Hytale Model format
4. Design your model using cubes and meshes
5. Add textures and UV mapping
6. Create animations using the timeline editor
7. Export for Hytale

Blockbench Capabilities

Feature	Description
Model Creation	Build 3D models using cubes, meshes, and groups
Texture Painting	Paint directly on models with built-in tools
Animation	Create keyframe animations with timeline editor
Rigging	Set up bone structures for complex animations
Preview	Real-time preview of models and animations
Export	Direct export to Hytale-compatible formats

Asset Editor

The Asset Editor allows you to modify game settings without any coding experience:

Supported Asset Types

• Block properties and behaviors
• Item stats and attributes
• Creature AI parameters
• Crafting recipes
• Sound configurations
• Visual effects settings

Current Limitations

The Asset Editor has some limitations in Early Access:

• Limited NPC editing capabilities
• Basic world generation controls
• Some interaction types not yet supported

Visual Scripting (No Lua)

Hytale does not support text-based scripting languages like Lua. Instead, they are developing a visual scripting system:

Unreal-Style Blueprints

Based on the team's experience with Unreal Engine Blueprints, the visual scripting system will allow:

• Node-based logic creation
• Drag-and-drop programming
• Visual debugging tools
• No coding knowledge required

Why Visual Scripting?

• Accessibility: Lower barrier to entry for non-programmers
• Visual Debugging: Easier to trace logic flow
• Safety: Reduced risk of security vulnerabilities
• Consistency: Standardized approach across all mods

Built-in Creation Tools

Hytale includes powerful in-game creation tools:

World Tools

• Terrain Editing: Sculpt landscapes and modify terrain
• Block Placement: Build structures with precision tools
• Selection Tools: Copy, paste, and transform large areas
• Prefab System: Save and reuse structures

Machinima Tools

• Camera Controls: Set up cinematic camera movements
• Recording: Capture in-game footage
• Animation Control: Pose and animate characters
• Lighting: Adjust lighting for scenes

Server Mod Installation

Installing Packs

1. Download the pack from CurseForge or other source
2. Place pack files in the server's /mods/ directory
3. Restart the server to load new content

Installing Plugins

1. Download the plugin .jar file
2. Place it in the server's /plugins/ directory
3. Restart the server
4. Configure via generated config files

Mod Compatibility

• Check mod descriptions for version compatibility
• Some mods require specific dependencies
• Client-side mods must match server mods for multiplayer
• Use CurseForge profiles to manage compatible mod sets

Creating Your First Mod

Simple Content Pack

1. Create a new folder for your pack
2. Add a pack.json manifest file with metadata
3. Create subdirectories for assets (textures, models, sounds)
4. Add your custom content files
5. Define behaviors in JSON configuration files
6. Test locally before publishing

Pack Structure Example

my_custom_pack/
├── pack.json              # Pack metadata
├── assets/
│   ├── textures/         # Custom textures
│   ├── models/           # Blockbench models
│   └── sounds/           # Audio files
├── data/
│   ├── blocks/           # Block definitions
│   ├── items/            # Item definitions
│   └── creatures/        # Creature definitions
└── lang/                  # Localization files

Development Partners

Hytale works with development partners for common server hosting needs:

• Nitrado: Official hosting partner with Hytale plugins
• Apex Hosting: Maintains plugins for mod management
• CurseForge: Official mod distribution and management

Resources for Modders

Official Resources

• Hytale Modding Documentation: Official docs (coming with source code release)
• CurseForge Author Portal: Publish and manage your mods
• Blockbench Discord: Community support for modeling

Community Resources

• Hytale Modding Discord: Community discussions and help
• HytaleDocs: Community-maintained documentation wiki
• Reddit r/HytaleMods: Mod showcase and discussion

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